Bitter Creek Fire is highly visible from the Alaska Highway

(Tok, AK) – A new lightning-caused wildfire was reported about 2:00 p.m. and is burning roughly 60 miles east of Tok, north of the Alaska Highway. As of 6:00 p.m. it is an estimated 100 acres.

The Alaska Highway is open. The fire is several miles away from the highway, but is highly visible to anyone in the area and traveling along the highway. Motorists are asked to drive slowly with their headlights on if conditions become smoky.

The fire is burning in continuous black spruce and is growing toward the south. The closest values are individual residences that are about four miles away.

A helicopter with Division of Forestry firefighters, two Division of Forestry air tankers, the Tanana Chiefs fire crew, and the BLM Alaska Fire Service Smokejumpers have all responded. An additional helicopter and two hotshot crews are on order.

For more information, please call the Division of Forestry Information Office at 907-356-5511.